Modestly-sized Maryland truly punches above its weight when it comes to boating, with the heart of the state’s yachting culture based around the stunning Chesapeake Bay, long considered the sailing capital of America. There’s around 212,000 registered vessels in the Free State at an ownership rate of 27.5 boats per 1,000 residents, with sailing, motorboating and fishing popular in the countless bays, coves and inlets that line this prized waterfront section of the Eastern seaboard. Blessed by a refreshing maritime breeze year-round, there’s never a bad time to set sail and soak up the views in the Old Line State.
One of the largest marinas in the state is the 515-slip Somers Cove Marina off Tangier Sound, from where you can sail up Chesapeake Bay, head out into the Atlantic on your motoryacht, or fish for some of the finest soft-shell crabs on the planet, a catch of fresh flounder or the chance to land migratory Cobia. For a more vibrant experience sail into Maryland’s biggest city Baltimore for incredible restaurants, famous attractions and a slew of full-service marinas in the city’s famous Harbor district. If you prefer something a little more traditional then head to the Annapolis Yacht Club, a marina with superyacht-sized slips located just yards away from one of the most historic and beautiful urban settings in the United States. While there, dart across the water and into the scenic Eastern Bay to drop anchor at St Michaels Harbor, home to the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, a must for nautical buffs. There’s also great bay-boating here at backwaters like Chincoteague Bay, where you can combine sailing with a visit to 40 miles of unbroken sea-facing beach and a glimpse at the iconic wild horses that roam free on Assateague Island.
The top boating events in this beautiful state include the illustrious Governor’s Cup Yacht Race, an overnight sailing contest that has been drawing the crowds for over half a century, as well as the Annapolis Sailboat Show, the world’s largest in-water sailing event located at the charming City Dock in the historic state capitol.
Maryland’s maritime tradition is bolstered by its significant naval presence, particularly in Annapolis, home to the prestigious US Naval Academy. Recreational boating is worth over $2.2billion dollars per year to the state, supporting more than 20,000 jobs. Premium boat-builders based here include Weaver Boat Works, manufacturers of high-end custom sportfishers and Titan Custom Yachts, known for stylish bespoke sportfishers with a deluxe finish.
Since 1964, SI Yachts has been helping our clients through the processes of buying and selling boats, many times it's their 10th or more boat sale with us. We take service very seriously and we are able to retain some of the best service talent in the industry giving us an incredible advantage when it comes making sure our customers enjoy their boating lifestyle. When you buy a yacht from us, our industry-leading mobile service team is just a phone call away. With a service facility located in Staten Island and mobile service throughout the Northeast and South Florida, SI Yachts has a true north-to-south connection for our seasonal cruising clients.
